Laundry Troubles? Hard Water Could Be the Culprit

Don’t automatically blame your washing machine for laundry problems. If items come out of it in worse shape, the cause can be hard water: water with a high count of calcium, magnesium and more minerals. 

You’ve probably heard the term before, but what exactly is hard water, how can it affect your laundry, and how do you deal with hard water stains on clothes?

The Effects of Hard Water and “Scale”

If you have hard water, you may have seen scale: a white, chalky material that can show up in wet locations. All water-based appliances can be affected by it—from experiencing decreased (or even negative) functionality, to having a shorter overall lifespan. 

In washing machines, scale reacts with detergents and becomes a more powdery substance that can cause item deterioration and roughness. As this gets left behind in the washer, it can cause stains, holes and more damage to your clothing. Putting affected items in the dryer will break them down even faster, and air-drying items result in them becoming extra stiff.

Solving Hard Water Laundry Issues

If you’re looking for a quick-fix for your laundry, there are a few different options. To solve the core of the issue, and make sure you can be done with hard water once and for all, we’ll cover a long-term solution too. 

Using Hotter Water

Hotter water will have a better chance of dealing with scale. Just be prepared for higher costs and potential damages that can result from doing this. 

Choose the Best Laundry Detergent for Hard Water

The type of laundry detergent you use can have a positive or negative effect here. Liquid detergents of higher quality are the best detergent for hard water and will provide some relief, while soap-based or cheaper ones can exacerbate the problem. 

Incorporating Borax

Adding ½ cup of laundry-safe borax to each load will help prevent scale and soften the water. 

Incorporating Vinegar

Vinegar in laundry loads can help keep clothes from being as affected. Just run it on empty and set on as hot as it will go with 1-3 cups of vinegar inside. This should break up and wash away the scale so it doesn’t show up in the next load. 

Install a Water Softener

Take the guesswork out of laundry with a Kinetico Water Softener Solution specialized to your needs. No matter what you wash or how often you wash it, our solutions will continuously attract and flush out the minerals that make water hard throughout your home. 

Water softeners are also non-electric, keeping costs low and helping the environment. With no computers or timers to adjust, repair or replace either, you can save yourself from constant busywork, too. 

Protect Your Laundry With a Kinetico Water Softener System

Between all of our options, you know you’ll get a top-tier solution with ongoing water softness for your laundry and entire home. Schedule a free consultation to find out if your water is hard or give us a call at (888) 788-3181.